NFAD Student Success Stories: Royal Ballet, The Mayflower Theatre & Bird College
This term has seen an incredible run of success for several of our talented students — from full-time vocational placements to major theatre castings. Here, we celebrate three stand-out achievements from Quinn, Stephanie & Amelie, and Ella.
Quinn Chapman joins the Royal Ballet School
We’re incredibly proud to announce that NFAD student Quinn Chapman (11) has been accepted into The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, one of the most prestigious ballet institutions in the world. Quinn began his dance journey with tap, expanding into modern, street, and then ballet, which quickly became his main focus — a passion that led him to train more seriously at NFAD and join the Royal Ballet Junior Associates. With the guidance and support of Principal Miss Kayleigh Sargeant, including private coaching, Quinn auditioned for several leading vocational schools — receiving offers from Tring Park and Elmhurst, and ultimately being selected for The Royal Ballet School, where only nine boys were accepted from over 1,300 applicants. Quinn’s story is a remarkable example of what dedication, talent, and the right training environment can achieve. We’re so excited to see where this next chapter takes him!
Stephanie and Amelie Hoyle Cast in The Last Rose of Summer
Congratulations to NFAD students Stephanie Hoyle (14) and Amelie Hoyle (12), who have been cast in the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s upcoming summer production, The Last Rose of Summer, premiering at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. The sisters successfully auditioned to perform alongside professional dancers in this new work, which blends ballet, music, and theatrical storytelling in a major production led by one of the UK’s most prestigious companies. Both girls have trained at NFAD for many years and wore their NFAD hoodies to the audition — a lovely moment of school spirit we’re very proud of. Their mum shared, “They are so excited and proud of their achievement. It’s a great opportunity, and we’re thrilled their hard work has been recognised by such a brilliant company.” We’re delighted to see Stephanie and Amelie’s talent being recognised on this level and look forward to seeing them shine on stage this summer!
Ella Von Kaufmann Accepted to Bird College for BA Musical Theatre
We’re delighted to share that NFAD student Ella Von Kaufmann has been offered a place at the renowned Bird College to study on the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course — a full-time, three-year vocational degree programme.
Ella, who started dancing with us at a young age, has always thrown herself wholeheartedly into every opportunity on stage. Her NFAD performance history includes roles such as the Butterfly in Alice in Wonderland, the Storm in Peter Pan, and the Townsman and Forest ensemble in Beauty and the Beast. She was a soloist in The Lion King, and took on Argentinian dancer and Northern Lights roles in her final production, Under the Moon and Stars — where she was awarded the Senior Shield for her outstanding contribution.
A true all-round performer, Ella also trained in musical theatre with local theatre groups outside of NFAD, always showing total commitment to the craft.
“Ella has always had a deep passion for musical theatre and the stage,” says Principal Miss Kayleigh Sargeant. “We are absolutely thrilled to see her take this next step towards a professional career.”
We are so proud of her achievements and excited to see what the future holds as she continues her training at university level.
